The elegant limestone exterior of the Hotel La Manufacture gives way to a lobby with the pizzazz of a Matisse canvas.

By Sarina Lewis and Meg Zimbeck, Tuesday, Apr 17, 2007, 4:31 PM

La Manufacture

About this Hotel

Price From $155

'Hood The up-and-coming 13th arrondissement, also known as Gobelins, the name of the famous tapestry factory that's been in operation there for more than 400 years. The area is home to many students and the city's enormous Chinatown.

First Impression An elegant limestone exterior gives way to a lobby with the pizzazz of a Matisse canvas. Orange armchairs sit atop boldly striped rag rugs, and the walls are decorated with local artist Alberto Cont's geometric paintings.

The Rooms While four seventh-floor minisuites evoke a kind of minimalist plantation-style aesthetic, with white cotton fabrics and dark wood furniture, the 52 smaller rooms on the hotel's six other floors are more traditionally Parisian, with walls painted in turquoise, rose, or yellow and soft curtains.

Plus Room 74, a suite, has a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Minus There's a police station next door, and the car sirens can be obtrusive.